Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian Catholic University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed for students passionate about justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental rights through both legal systems and human rights frameworks. This double degree builds strong legal expertise alongside a deep understanding of global human rights issues, preparing graduates for careers in law, advocacy, government, and international organisations. Campus Location: North Sydney Campus, New South Wales, offering close proximity to legal institutions, courts, policy organisations, and advocacy groups.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both law and human rights principles. Core law subjects such as Legal Method and Reasoning, Foundations of Law, and Contract Law introduce students to legal systems and analytical thinking, while human rights studies begin with Introduction to Human Rights, focusing on global justice frameworks and ethical principles. These units help students develop essential academic writing, legal research, and critical thinking skills.

Year 2

The second year strengthens core legal knowledge through subjects like Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Torts, while expanding human rights understanding through units such as Human Rights in International Contexts. Students begin to connect legal principles with real-world human rights issues, developing skills in advocacy, interpretation of law, and policy analysis.

Year 3

In Year 3, students progress into more advanced legal study, including Administrative Law and Property Law, alongside specialised human rights subjects such as Human Rights Law and Practice. This stage focuses on applying legal reasoning to complex social justice issues and understanding the role of law in protecting vulnerable populations.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on professional legal practice and advanced analysis. Students study Equity and Trusts and Lawyers’ Ethics and Professional Responsibility, while also engaging in human rights electives that examine global justice systems, humanitarian law, and rights-based policy development. Practical learning begins to play a stronger role, preparing students for real-world legal environments.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete advanced legal subjects such as Evidence and Civil Procedure, alongside capstone human rights studies that integrate legal and advocacy skills. This year often includes practical placements or experiential learning opportunities, helping students transition into professional legal and human rights careers.

Focus Areas:

Human rights law, international law, constitutional law, criminal law, advocacy, ethics, public policy, legal research, global justice, humanitarian law, legal practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal reasoning and advocacy skills; apply human rights principles to legal and policy contexts; analyse complex legal and ethical issues; demonstrate strong research and communication abilities; evaluate justice systems critically; and prepare for professional legal and human rights practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by legal admission authorities in Australia, including recognition for admission to legal practice following completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The human rights component strengthens pathways into advocacy, policy, and international legal careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Australian Catholic University is ranked among the Top 10 Catholic universities globally and the Top 40 young universities worldwide, with strong recognition for teaching quality, graduate employability, and social impact-focused education. ACU Law programs are known for their ethical approach and strong community and industry engagement.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU) focuses strongly on applied learning, where students develop practical legal and advocacy skills alongside a deep understanding of human rights principles. Throughout the degree, students engage in real-world legal problem solving, simulated court experiences, community engagement activities, and research-based learning. The program is designed to help students move beyond theory by working with legal materials, case analysis, and justice-focused scenarios that reflect real professional practice in courts, government, and human rights organisations. A strong emphasis is placed on ethical practice, social justice, and professional legal communication.

This hands-on learning experience is supported through structured legal training environments and practical opportunities that connect students directly with the legal and human rights sectors:

ACU Law Clinics and Pro Bono Program – Students participate in supervised legal assistance work, contributing to real cases and community legal services while completing required pro bono hours.
Moot Court and Advocacy Training – Students engage in simulated court proceedings where they develop advocacy, legal argumentation, and courtroom presentation skills in a professional-style environment.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) – Opportunities to gain practical exposure through placements, community engagement, and industry-based learning experiences within legal and justice organisations.
Human Rights-Focused Learning Projects – Students undertake research and case-based assessments addressing contemporary human rights issues such as equality, justice reform, refugee rights, and social justice policy.
Legal Research Training Tools – Development of advanced legal research skills using academic and professional legal databases, case law analysis tools, and structured legal reasoning frameworks.
Group-Based Legal Problem Solving – Collaborative assessments and case studies that simulate real legal team environments, helping students build teamwork, negotiation, and professional communication skills.
ACU Library and Legal Resources – Access to extensive legal collections, journals, and research databases supporting both law and human rights study areas.
Engagement with Justice and Community Networks – Exposure to external organisations involved in legal aid, advocacy, human rights protection, and public interest law through university partnerships and initiatives.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU) prepares graduates to work at the intersection of law, justice, and social impact, with a strong focus on advocacy, ethics, and global human rights issues. Graduates develop advanced skills in legal reasoning, policy analysis, negotiation, and human rights advocacy, enabling them to pursue meaningful careers as Solicitors, Human Rights Advocates, Policy Officers, Legal Advisers, and professionals within government, NGOs, and international organisations. This double degree is particularly suited to students passionate about justice, equality, and creating positive social change through law.

This strong career preparation is supported by several key advantages:

Excellent Graduate Employment Outcomes – ACU reports that 95% of graduates are employed, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to employability, practical learning, and industry engagement.
Career Development Services – Students benefit from ACU’s comprehensive employability support, including career counselling, mentoring, networking events, resume and interview workshops, internship guidance, and graduate employment support designed to help students transition into professional roles.
Industry Partnerships and Human Rights Networks – ACU collaborates with organisations such as AED Legal, JobWatch, Knowmore Legal Service, Refugee Legal, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Western Sydney Community Legal Centre, Justice Reform Initiative, and Young Workers Centre, giving students valuable exposure to legal practice and human rights advocacy in real-world settings.
Practical Pro Bono Experience – Students complete 80 hours of pro bono legal experience, applying legal knowledge in community-based settings while supporting access to justice initiatives and developing professional legal skills.
Long-Term Professional Accreditation Value – The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited and recognised by legal admission authorities in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, meeting the academic requirements required for admission to legal practice after completing Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Graduate Salary Prospects – Graduates entering legal, policy, advocacy, and human rights-related professions typically earn between AUD $70,000 and $105,000 per year, depending on their role, sector, and experience level. Salaries increase significantly with professional accreditation and career progression.
Global and Social Impact Career Pathways – Graduates are well prepared for roles in human rights organisations, international NGOs, government agencies, refugee advocacy services, legal aid, policy development, and social justice initiatives.
Transferable Professional Skills – Students graduate with strong capabilities in legal analysis, advocacy, communication, ethical reasoning, research, negotiation, and critical thinking, making them highly valuable across legal and social impact sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Laws, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Students interested in further legal specialisation may pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) in areas such as human rights law, international law, environmental law, public law, or dispute resolution. The human rights component also provides pathways into postgraduate study in international relations, public policy, development studies, social justice, and global governance. Graduates interested in research, academia, or leadership roles can continue into Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, opening opportunities in human rights advocacy, legal scholarship, policy development, and senior roles within international organisations, government, and non-government sectors.